Yoga Renewal

As of today, I've made the decision the get back into daily yoga. Since I practiced gymnastics for most of my childhood, I took an interest in yoga to increase my flexibility even further.  But I quickly found that it has far more benefits than just learning how to become a human pretzel.  Aside from fixing my posture (I have a bad and lasting back injury from gymnastics), I feel much more grounded, present and calm after a session which helps immensely with occasional food allergy anxiety.  While recovering from severe reactions, I used root myself in a downward dog pose to calm myself. That moment when you're slowly sinking into the mat and you can almost feel the earth move as it ticks around the sun...indescribable healing.  I am more than ready to return to it.

-my morning meditation in child's pose-

Here are a few good links for beginners to yoga:

1. 5 types of Yoga to try now


2. 3 Yoga Poses to Help Anxiety


3. 5 Common Yoga Mistakes Beginners Make


4. 8 Yoga Poses for Better Digestion

What kind of yoga do you practice?

What are your favorite poses, tips and yoga tricks?

Potential Desensitization to Food Allergies?

Today I read an outstanding and in-depth article regarding severe food allergies and the prospect of desensitization. I recommended this reading to everyone, as it's something we should all know about. A big thanks to my sister  for sharing this article with me in the New York Times entitled, "The Allergy Buster, Can a Radical New Treatment Save Children with Severe Allergies?" This article covers everything from desensitization to food allergens to potential causes of the stark rise in food allergies today. Reading this was very personal and close to home for me, as I can totally relate to the stories of these children and the fear aspect of living with intense food allergies. I'm quite lucky to have my most severe allergies as an adult and not as a small child. I'm so glad to see that there's hope of it getting better for those of us with life threatening cases, especially children, who often cannot handle living with these problems on their own. Here's an interesting quote from the article regarding some evidence for the recent spike in food allergic youth:

 "One focus of Nadeau’s lab is studying whether the toxins found in pollution, pesticides or tobacco smoke damage the genes in ways that make children more likely to have allergies and the intimately related disease of asthma. There is evidence that having a parent or a grandparent who smoked — even if the child was never exposed to smoke — is a risk factor for food allergies, as is living in an urban area with elevated pollution."

Also the evidence between poor diet during pregnancy and food allergy risk is not surprising to me. What do you all think of this touching article? It really hit home for me as I'm sure it will for others. But it really leaves me hopeful for the future.

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A Little Something about Health Investment

 

This squirrel sincerely thinks it's our pet. I've now become the mother of squirrels, which obviously is not as cool as being the khaleesi with dragons. Complete with running up to the door and waiting for us to come out with sweet nuts and sunflower seeds. This guy knows how to get good (and free) nutrition!

There was a time in my life when I didn't know how to effectively love and treat my body. Before going gluten-free, I was sick to the point where I stood 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed in at only 94 pounds due to malnutrition. After diagnosis, I returned to a healthier weight until the diagnosis of my other food allergies (including soy and peanuts). The funny thing is, even now as I'm getting back up to my ideal body weight, I'm more confident in how I see my body and how I treat it. Ironically, I have living gluten-free and food allergies to thank for it. These are the things that finally taught me how to live and live well.

Getting diagnosed with everything that I have has made me realize how important it is to learn to fill your body with real healing nutrition. I can honestly say that when starting out gluten-free, I probably set myself back even further by attempting to "replace" all the foods I thought I had lost forever--trans fats, overly processed foods and all. I had no idea how to eat before my diagnosis and certainly didn't know how to eat just after either. Slowly, I learned to listen to my body and turn away from flashy advertising for convenient processed foods. Do I swear off all of it? No. But I do know how to see which ones are investments to my health in the long run and which ones are gimmicky nonsense. There are quite a few gluten-free processed food companies that really don't cater to living healthily--something that should be priority after a life changing diagnosis. The key is moderation and knowing that not everything needs a gluten-free replacement (Twinkies anyone?)

When dealing with any sort of health issue, breaking the cycle of illness and the root cause makes all the difference. This is the same principle with preventing illness and exaccerbated disease in the first place. It all begins with our forks and knives. I know that when I treat my body well, I can be a confident, healthy, and well balanced being, despite having a life long autoimmune disease and food allergies. Real confidence isn't just a mental state, it's also the ecological balance within. Make the choice to invest in your health and confidence today by starting with your plate.

How do you plan to treat your body well today?

Living with Food Allergies: Overcoming Challenges

Since going gluten-free over 3 years ago and being highly allergic to soy, peanuts, and legumes for one year, I'd had my fair share of ups and downs. I know most people dealing with multiple food allergies have probably at one point dealt with many of the following things:

• People telling you (directly or indirectly) that they think you're limited or "damaged goods" due to your strange immune system.


• Strangers commenting on your weight or body in a negative light.


• Misunderstandings about what you can and can't eat, and others seeing you as difficult due to your limited diet.


• Feeling alone or isolated from people, close and not so close, that don't fully understand your situation or refuse to acknowledge it.


• Struggling with safe food choices and keeping a balanced diet despite numerous restrictions.


• Self loathing or feeling inadequate due to being different with food allergies.


• Frustration on not being able to eat what everyone else does.


• Depression/Anxiety over your permanent situation.


• Feeling the need to apologize to others for your special diet or food allergies.

At first, I had a hard time grappling with the changes that had been shoved into my life without my consent. I felt myself asking questions like, "Why me?" or "How am I going to overcome this without losing myself?". The truth is, all of the above have come to be great and priceless blessings, even if it felt like the absolute opposite at the start.

Using these obstacles as stepping stones to building yourself back up after the fall takes patience and practice, but will ultimately make you stronger and more resilient than anyone or anything aiming these negative energies your way. Some of my best days have been laughing in the face of what seemed to be impossible to live with. I am constantly surrounded by food I cannot eat everywhere I go, but that doesn't mean my attitude needs to be sour. Let your light shine brighter and learn to love what you do have. Here's some of the many things I'm thankful for and that have taught me to embrace my radiant self, no matter what's testing me that day:

• Precious and delicious food that I can eat


• Learning to be my own gourmet chef and rock it out in the kitchen whenever I have a craving (waaay cheaper, healthier, and more fun than a few rounds at a run of the mill restaurant).


• My support system: Family is forever and the ones you can trust to just "be there" truly shine with you through the challenges making you realize your full potential and grace.


• The power of nature, nourishing the body, mind, and spirit, and keeping life simple.


• A positive outlook changes your life, and no one can take away your own powerful thoughts.


• Organic, pure, and real food.


• Small steps and victories that reaffirm you are capable of anything you focus on overcoming.


• How small and big my life seems at the same time when I look at the sky.


• Others negativity ultimately becomes my strength.


• Love. Pure and Simple.

That list could go on probably forever, but you get the idea. Overcoming challenges from living with special diets or food allergies can be difficult, there's no question about that. It's what you do with the opportunity that's knocking. Let your little light shine and be authentically you. You don't ever have to apologize for that. You are strong, beautiful, and you are the one that's in control. What will you do with your blessings today?

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Gluten Free Happy Hour

 

Our homemade Pineapple Strawberry Cocktail with White Rum

For the newly diagnosed food allergic, gluten intolerant, or Celiac individual, the question I've been asked quite often is...

Okay, so you've told me what I can eat. Now what the hell can I drink?

I stick to basic and classic alcohols that aren't distilled from grains-- no fancy stuff or fake flavorings. You can easily dress up some plain rum or tequila yourself without the help of pre-made mixers and coolers (which often contain barley malt and other additives from soy). There is some controversy over whether grain distilled liquors are okay for Celiac or gluten intolerant individuals to consume. I can tell you from my experience, I have to stay away. Vodka distilled from grain has wrecked some pretty extreme havoc on me in the past and I'm not eager to do it again.

Though most vodkas are out for me, Ciroc vodka is made from grapes instead of grain. There are also some good potato vodkas out there, but a word of warning--they can be pretty strong!

My favorites/go-to's for a Gluten-free, Soy free, Nut free, Cocktail Party:

1. Bacardi Superior Rum


2. Groundswell Organic White Table Wine (or Groundswell Red)


3. Ciroc Vodka (from grapes, original frost flavor. I'm not sure on the other berry flavors).


4. Luksusowa Polish Potato Vodka 


5. Estancia Riesling (White Wine). I love the fruity flavor of a good Riesling. Don't drink Wine if you are sensitive to yeast or sulfites. I've gotten much less sensitive to yeast, which is why I include it here.


6. 365 Whole Foods Goat Cheese (contains Milk, Casein).  Cheese platters and Wine. Need I say more?


7. Neon Flexi-Straws for pretty, fun smoothie Cocktails


8. Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila


9. Fresh Flowers. Roses are always a classic.


10. Enjoy Life Crunchy Cookies (allergen free).

I don't drink too often, but when I do, I....don't drink Dos Equis. Instead I focus on what I can drink and jazz it up myself to make it special. I love blending fresh pineapple, strawberries, ice, and white rum together to make a delicious spiked tropical smoothie. Adding fresh organic fruits and herbs as garnish and fun straws just gives that extra special touch. Try a sprig of fresh basil or mint in your next homemade cocktail.

Indulge Responsibly!

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What almost dying taught me.

 

Capture the moment. Live like you mean it.

Before last summer, I'd never prayed for my life before. I'd never felt the sharp jab of mortality. What I had felt before was the ease with which air effortlessly passed into my body and saturated me with life. What I'll never feel again is the naive ungratefulness I knew before I almost died.

Unknowingly, I was suffering a severe and life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis shock. My limbs went numb, my stomach convulsed, and my throat began to close up to the point where I was gasping for air. I clutched for items to hold onto to get some sort of stability and the fleeting normal physical feelings. But all I could think about was how much I had taken for granted in my life as the bulging lump in my throat threatened to take it all away. And then I saw a fuzzy blackness began to crawl over my peripheral vision.

Who was I to be judging the universe? Complaining about trivial things? I can tell you that instances where you had ridiculously complained about unimportant things, like that time you ordered a water with ice and received a warm water with no ice, flash before you when your body is failing fast and life is leaving. You remember how you treasured material things more than the life and feelings of a poor stranger. Then you get smacked in the face. Hard. You see the beautiful shades of color that seemed so ordinary before shining brilliant and vivid, waking you. You fall to the ground with the gravity of the world around you and are instantly and permanently humbled. You realize how small and how big your life is all at once. Everything is pulsing, and in that moment you are truly alive.

You will never be the same. And it's a blessing.

I was able to ride out this deadly allergic reaction (to soy) due to the genius of my boyfriend who gave me antihistamines even though he wasn't sure what was happening while we waited for the ambulance to arrive.

I'm forever grateful for the life that pulses through my veins and the time I have here. Don't miss a moment. I don't have to tell you that you never know what will happen next. If I ever feel my spirit dying again, I'll breathe and remember.

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Unleashing Inner Strength

Looking back on how far I've come since this summer when I was in and out the emergency room every few days, I feel a renewed sense of life. I remember how much adversity I've faced head on and come through. I'm reminded that we as humans are survivors by nature, and it's truly flooring what the human spirit is capable of.

Today I just want to post a few things that really inspire me to embrace my inner strength. No food allergies, celiac disease, tumors, or seemingly stressful jobs have power over the creation of my own happiness and full appreciation for life. This world is full of unique blooms and the brightest of rays. Open your eyes and bask in the richness of life.

 

Taken on a road trip with my sister in the Washington state peninsula.

Taken on a relaxing morning filled with the warm scent of cinnamon.


There's always time for being young and silly at heart. I find it vital to my existence.

Spontaneous brunches. My favorite coaster is shown here.

Crazy, fun, wild, love!

You are always stronger than you think.

What things do you deem important in your life?

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What's the Skinny?

 

You are uniquely beautiful, no matter what anyone else thinks or says. Don't let thoughtless remarks ruin your positive body image.

"Jeez, could you get any skinnier?" --Client at work.

"Well, I have some life threatening food allergies so it's hard to gain weight easily but I'm trying.." --Me.

"Good, 'cause you really need to." --Client.

"Uh, thanks?" --Me.

This isn't the first conversation I've had like this, and I have to admit, it's getting old quick.

About 6 months ago, I was over ten pounds lighter than I am now due to a then undiagnosed severe soy allergy. I've worked quite hard on putting the pounds back on to get to a healthy, stable weight of about 109. It's been difficult, but I'm feeling 110% better and am able to carry on a pretty normal life considering the health issues.

What I will never quite understand is the obsession others carry with commenting on the weight and figure of a person deemed "too skinny" in popular opinion, while it's considered cruel to comment on the weight of an overweight or obese individual. What most people fail to realize is that both extremes hold health risks and the individual who is either "skinny" or "fat" could be busting their tuckus to gain a few extra pounds or to lose them. It's best not to comment at all, especially to a complete stranger when you are unaware of their story.

I usually try to look at things positively, but when a blatant and rude comment is thrown my way that affects body image, I stand up for what I feel and believe is the right thing to do. Think twice the next time you tell someone to "go eat a sandwich". They might be extremely sensitive, be trying to maintain a positive body image, have life threatening allergies, or even be a cancer patient. If this situation sounds familiar, stay strong and remember you are beautiful!

What do you think? Have you ever had a stranger comment on your weight in a negative light?

 

Each flower is unique, but beautiful in their own way.

Food Allergies in the Air

[caption id="attachment_536" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Are you breathing in your food allergy? (Photo credit: Dreamstime.com Free)[/caption]

For the second time at my new job, I've been thrown into a full blown soy allergy reaction by breathing in hot cocoa powder which contains soy. The hot chocolate and coffee station is located directly next my desk in a busy hotel lobby and there's not much hope of moving the entire large station. I didn't expect when I took the job that I would be in such close and dangerous proximity to my life threatening allergy, and am wondering if anyone else has experienced a similar situation.

Each time, I've been able to control the reaction with medication but am feeling a bit vulnerable to say the least. I would advise those suffering from severe food allergies to review their spaces at work, play, and home to be sure they are not accidentally breathing in their food allergies by airborne particles.

What do you think? Have you ever reacted to your food allergy via airborne particles?

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Avoiding Reactions at Work

[caption id="attachment_490" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Don't feel pressured to put your life in danger. (Photo credit: Dreamstime.com Free)[/caption]

Recently, I've been asked to directly handle baking cookies for guests every evening shift I'm at work--cookies laden with wheat and soy. Luckily at the moment, someone else has been working with me each time and has offered to do the duty for me. I'm anxiously awaiting the day when I'll be personally held responsible to handle life threatening allergens just to keep guests happier in the lobby. I've made a decision not to handle the allergens, and am hoping my employer will understand that it's not worth risking my life.

While most people aren't asked to bake cookies at work, the problem of cross contamination in the workplace still lingers. Sharing areas in the company break room or lunch area can be hazardous as well as sharing common office equipment. I personally went through this at one of my jobs where I shared a desk and keyboard with a girl on the Vegan diet who often ate many soy heavy products. I am in no way holding her responsible for my reactions that led me to the ER from work, but merely not thinking about proper sanitation of shared equipment played a role on my part.

Here are some of my tips for staying safe from anaphylaxis or any other allergic reaction at work:

And this goes without saying: Always carry your epi-pen. You may want to alert others at work about where you keep your epi-pen so they may grab it for you in case of an emergency. I also always carry a box of Claritin and some Benadryl with me at all times.

What are your thoughts? Have you run into any tricky situations dealing with food allergies at work? Leave a comment below.

Allergy Anxiety: Kick the Fear

[caption id="attachment_481" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Relax and take a step back. Food is not your enemy. (Photo credit: Dreamstime free)[/caption]

Just after my soy allergy diagnosis, I experienced a not so uncommon mental state: Food allergy reaction anxiety. It lasted for about a month before I learned how to rework my relationship with food. The hardest part was not knowing where to start.

Having a serious allergic reaction can be scary. Fortunately, there are many ways to calm down and keep a balanced mental state.

Food can be seen as medicine. Once you know what you need to avoid, the scariest part is over. Embrace the foods that your body doesn't react to and visualize them as a sort of shield. With each day you rework your relationship with foods that are okay, the stronger your system becomes. Nourish and treat yourself to your favorite foods, and try to follow a three or four day rotation diet to minimize developing any new allergies.

Some of my favorite things to do to keep a great outlook and a calm composure:

- Yoga -

This instructor (Esther Ekhart) has tons of great yoga videos. If you're looking for something to burn off a little more excess energy due to anxiousness, check out her more fast paced yoga for anxiety here.

- Guided Relaxation -

Focusing on just being can be a powerful experience. It really tunes you into how amazing your body, mind, and spirit are--even if your system can't handle a fist-full of foods.

- Indulge in something amazing I CAN eat -

I believe in moderation with sweets, as with most things. Take a moment (and a small dish) to remind yourself that you're not surrounded by food you can't eat. Just remember to indulge responsibly ;)

The Candida Question

This is a part of a comprehensive Detox and/or Candida Elimination plan that I have personally done.  Look for follow up posts coming next for more information.

Disclaimer: (I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. Listen to your body or consult with a medical practitioner or holistic health professional to find out what is best for you).

[caption id="attachment_455" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Balance and patience is key. Healing takes time, but the benefits are great. Detox does the body good. (Photo credit: Dreamstime.com Free)[/caption]

Where to Start?

You may have a Candida Albicans overgrowth problem due to several different factors:

• -The Standard American Diet (SAD...pun intended).

• Having been on Anti-biotics

• Having been on Birth Control Pills or contraceptives for a long period of time.

• Undiagnosed or newly diagnosed food allergies or intolerance.

• Routine digestive distress.

• High sugar, refined carbohydrates, or alcohol consumption

• Extremely high Stress levels

                          Classic Symptoms:                        

Vary from person to person, but common signs include:

• Digestive problems, IBS, gas and indigestion.

• Low energy, feeling tired all the time, difficult to wake.

• Mood swings

• Craving sugar and high carb foods

• Poor concentration/ADHD

• Overall "off" feeling

• Leaky gut syndrome, which can actually result in other temporary food allergies, as food particles are accidentally entering the bloodstream causing reactions. Some food reactions may lessen when leaky gut is healed.

• **Oral Thrush - a white coating on the tongue

• Weight gain or weight loss depending on the level of candida albicans overgrowth

• Skin problems such as acne and itching

• Random Dizziness

Untreated Candida albicans problems can lead to more serious systemic candida issues such as infestation of the bloodstream which can cause some serious diseases. It's best to go on a few small detoxes throughout the year for healthy maintenance of your body even if you don't currently have an issue with it, as it will cleanse your body of harmful toxins from food, unfiltered water, and your environment.

Largely, the medical community (non-holistic) is slow to recognize Candida albicans issues as a big root cause of many other diseases and symptoms. This could be due to the fact that it is easily treated with just a simple diet/lifestyle change and NOT presciption medications (though there are some powerful anti-fungal medications that are prescribed in systemic cases when actually recognized, such as Diflucan).

Please see the Basic Detox & Candida Elimination: Diet and Lifestyle post for information on foods to eat, foods to avoid, lifestyle changes, and more!

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FDA Allergen Labeling: A cruel joke?

 

                                                   (Photo Credit: Dreamstime.com Free)

I'd like to give a huge thank you and major props to all food companies in the U.S. that choose to label "May Contain" on their products that may have cross contamination from the top 8 allergens (wheat, soy, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, peanuts and tree nuts).

The FDA currently does not require that companies label products as "May contain" if there is a chance that the product will come into contact with allergens. What is the point of labeling allergens at all if there is still an unlabeled chance that your product could cause a life threatening allergic reaction?  There have definitely been some reaction issues in my life caused by this gaping hole in allergen labeling procedures. To see how the FDA currently labels food, check out the Allergy Free Table's quick online guide to reading food labels.

When this hole clearly poses a threat, my only question seems obvious and I feel ridiculous for even having to ask it. Why is this labeling only optional instead of required? I'm definitely looking further into pushing for more complete and safe labeling laws.

What are your thoughts?

The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't."  ~Henry Ward Beecher